Maple Roasted Pear & Yogurt Parfaits by Gail Simmons

Between authoring a book, filming the eleventh season of Top Chef on Bravo, and cooking up a storm at Food & Wine magazine, Gail Simmons has been preparing for her baby’s arrival this winter. When she’s in the mood for something special, Gail has been cooking up this recipe for Maple Roasted Pear & Yogurt Parfaits. It serves two, so use them to top off a romantic meal.

Ingredients

2 cups sliced pears

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup grade A maple syrup

2 cups Organic low fat Greek or Plain Yogurt

1/2 cup chopped, toasted walnuts

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Kosher salt

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees F.

In a small roasting dish lay out pears and drizzle with melted butter. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and lemon juice and drizzle over pears. Place in the oven until pears are just caramelized around the edges, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly.

To assemble divide a few pears in the bottom of two glasses or small bowls, followed by a little of the sweet syrup from the roasting tray. Sprinkle with a few toasted walnuts. Place a heaping tablespoon of yogurt on top. Repeat for another layer of all ingredients. Finish with walnuts, pomegranate seeds and final drizzle of syrup before serving.

Note: apples, peaches or any other seasonal stone or seed fruit can be substituted if desired.